Saints who help Peter deny Jesus

This is a post by Michael Glover, my twin brother. He lives in Wasilla, AK, with his wife Megan, and their 2 high maintenance cats.

The story of Peter denying Christ portrays the outcome of Peter’s pride and self-will. It’s a warning to every emerging disciple. Never tell Jesus, ‘I will’.

In the fifth chapter of his book, James tells us how to avoid this situation altogether. In verse 12 he says, “But above all [things], my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath; but let your yes be [a simple] yes, and your no be [a simple] no, so that you may not sin and fall under condemnation.” (James 5:12 AMP)

Amen.

Unfortunately, this sobering story didn’t end when Peter denied Christ. Sadly, it has seen itself told and retold in congregations all over the world. The actors have changed, but the story hasn’t.

Weaker

In every church, we have people like Peter. These are the saints who once… (fill in the blank). Tragically something (fill in the blank) happened and now they follow Jesus afar off.

You know as long as Peter is in the courtyard, warming himself by the fire, there is still hope. He feels hopeless, he’s hurting inside, but he can still see Jesus.

As long as Peter is coming to church, there is still hope for Peter.

So how did Peter go from sitting by the fire, still within view of Jesus, to denying Jesus?

Even Weaker

It started when the maid of the high priest came up to him and made an observation. Was it true? Yes. So what’s the problem? The problem was she came up to Peter when he was hurting, and vulnerable. What she said was true, but the way she said it in accusatory manner, to a weakened disciple, ended with a denial.

What about us?

How many times have saints asked the questions that caused our Simon Peter’s to begin denying Christ?

Oh, they pretend they’re doing so out of love. However, they reek of condemnation, and judgment.

Do we help Peter deny Christ? Or do we allow him to warm himself by the fire, showing him compassion and love, just as our savior did to us?